More Than Sand, Sea, and Sky: A Talk with QAI’s Diana Untermeyer

On September 12th, QAI’s Cultural Advisor and author Diana Untermeyer took part in a discussion in Houston at the World Affairs Council. She discussed Qatar and the rapid changes that it has undergone and highlighted the nation’s cultural richness.

“I dove into life in Qatar not as a prominent public figure, which I was by virtue of Chase’s position, but as I would if I moved to any American city.” – Diana Untermeyer

Ms. Untermeyer’s discussion delved into the details of her book,“Qatar: Sand, Sea, and Sky,” which documents her many years residing and traveling within Qatar, and tells the story of Qatar’s rapid journey from hardscrabble subsistence to thriving modernity. Her talk featured the stories of women, Qatari youth, and politics, as well as her passion for Arabian horses.

Ms. Untermeyer talked about her first impressions arriving in Qatar’s capital city, Doha, in 2004 and how her personal perceptions and views changed overtime such that she now considers it her second home. She presented key facts and analysis about the US-Qatar relationship, which prompted a lively Q&A session. She also addressed topics related to women rights in Qatar, the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and the blockade.

“Unusual in this patriarchal region, Sheikh Hamad gave free rein to his immensely talented wife Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who as chairman of the Qatar Foundation brought six American Universities to Education City including Texas A&M, Weill Cornell Medical School and Georgetown University for international policy. She also built a high tech hospital and a incuba-tor to encourage technology transfer.” – Diana Untermeyer

About Diana Untermeyer

Ms. Untermeyer lived in Doha, Qatar, from 2004 to 2007 while her husband served as U.S. ambassador. In Qatar she was active with women’s and children’s programs, with conservation, and the burgeoning art scene.

Interested in learning more about Art in Qatar? Visit our Art in Qatar infographic page below:

The Qatar-America Institute provides information on the U.S.-Qatari strategic relationship in an effort to enhance the vital partnership between Washington, D.C. and Doha, as well as the enduring friendship among the Qatari and American people.